The investment specified (type of security and valuation) will vary with winners. In addition, winners may receive in-kind services from one or more of the competition sponsors, in addition to any cash investment. These in-kind services will be limited to one provider in each of the service areas and the provider and winners will agree to specific details. All investments will be made upon incorporation of the business.

Olin officials, however, changed the process this year and will now wait to make an investment offer — if any is offered at all — until after due diligence is performed on the winners over the next few months.

Amusingly, a sponsor of this year's Olin Cup includes the law firm Polsinelli. Polsinelli are known for representing Butterfly Labs in their ongoing problems with the FTC.